Certain churches have really awesome programs to help folks down and out. First, you have to bring in your books, and they help determine real needs. Things that aren’t needs get cut. You don’t bring books, no help. Next, you have to to volunteer time to help their food gathering programs for the needy. No free lunch. Finally, there is a time exponent to their financial help. Nothing is forever.
The first thing I would do is eliminate Federal welfare programs, all programs should be local based. No way central planners can differentiate from those that are truly in need from scammers 1000 miles away.